Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-06-09
PILL MAKERS In COUNCIL,
Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Associa-
ton at Grafton.

meller, of Wheeling, Secretary. Prompt
ly at half past two o'clock President Grant
raped for order, and in a few appropriate
words introduced Hon. b. F. Martin, who
ON behalf of the Mayor and Town Council,
welcomed the members of the Association.
Mr.. Martins remarks were received
with loud applause, and though calle
unOn Unexpectedly, he was equal to the
occasion, and his cordial words of well
come on behalf of the citizens of Grafton
were well received.
lie said, in substance, that he was glad
to see such a large number of members
present, that on behalf of the Mayor and
Council and the good people of Grafton, he
was here to hid them hearty welcome and
insure their safety while sGjourning within
our gates. Continuing, he said, You al
ready know that "A great improvement has
taken place in the practice of your prOtes-
sion. The day has arrived when Il thor
Ough training and perfect knowledge of
any business or profession a man en-
cages IN, isa prerequisite to success, and
how much mole important is this require
ment in Druggist? 4 single drop of the
wrong mixture, the displacement of u bot
tie, may result in the death of human
being, and what will man not give tNr
his life? God speed the day when every
man shall thoroughly understand the bus
mess in which he engages. A man can
not be good lawyer, good physician,
OF even good farmer, withsut training,
and how much more Important that the
man in whose hands our very lives are
placed, should be master of his profession.
congratulate you that the time of quack-
cry is past, that You are abreast Of the
times aud keeping pace with the progress
of the age
c. NJ. Shrewsbury, of Parkersburg, re-
sponded on behalf of the Association, in
which he thanked the speaker, and
through him the people OF Grafton for
their cOJdial words OF welcome.
The Secretary then read list OF the
members present as follows: James 4.
Grant and III. p. LipscOmb, of Grafton, G.
NJ. Shrewbury of Parkershurg, c. s. Nc
WhOrter OF BuChannOn, James Miller, of
Harrisville, J. NJ. Morrow, of Weston, II.
l.. Wells, of Clarksburg, +. VI. ChaltInt Of
Weston, J. II. Wetzel, of RayenswOOd, f.
VI. Dent, of Newburg, W. l.. Shields, Of
FlemingtOn and {. Moenkcmellcr, Secre-
tary, OF Wheeling. The following new
members were elected: NJ. L. Ralston, of
Weston, and W. l.. Hamilton, of Harris
Vile.
When the Secretary had finished his list
President Grant delivered his annual ad-
dress. He said:
GENTLEMEN OF THE W. VA. PHARMA-
CEUrICAL ASSOCIATION: The pleasure
experience to-day in meeting my cO-lahOr-
ers in the field OF pharmacy is exceeded
only by the deep interest l take in the fu-
ture usefulness and welfare of this AsSOci-
alton. am indeed happy to welcome 50
many of our brethren who were not with
us last year, and who are here to aid us in
our efforts 10 raise the standard of our pro-
fession in this State. In the discharge Of
the functions of the Office which ] have the
honor To hold through your kind partial
ity, your indulgence and f0rbcaraucc will
Assist nae and will render the task more
grateful and pleasant. The presence of 81
many in attendance and the interest mani
tested encourages me in the fond hope
that the pharmacists will begin 10 realize
the great importance OF maintaining our
organization for our mutual protection and
advancement, and that We are now upon
the Threshold of brighter and more
prosperous future. Like all other aSsOCia-
tions, ours has had 10 contend with many
trials and difficulties, but nothing has so
retarded its growth, its usefulness and
prosperity, rs the indifference and apathy,
aud in fact the direct opposition Of so
many of our brethren. These certainly
have failed to see the advantages to be de
rived from organized efforts. We are llv-
lug in an age of combinations, an aye in
which men TO accomplish their ends move
in masses rather than individuals but it is
thought by some that the druggist is strong
enough to fight the battles OF life Singly
and alone, and rs a result we are opposed
By laws unjust and discriminating, the
disposition on the part OF our Legislature
to completely crush out and annIhilate the
drug business in this State was never more
manifest than at the session just closed.
This no doubt IS due, to certain extent,
to the fact that the minds of our represen-
tatives have been preiudiccd against us by
INSCRIPTIONS and dishonest individuals
who set up the claim that all pharmacists,
however honorable in their profession, are
nothing more nor less than rum sellers.
Now | earnestly recommend that a COM
mittee on legislation be appointed, COM
posed of men of intelligence and uuSwcrv-
ing fidelity, to be present ut the next
session OF the Legislature 10 fairly and
honestly present our claims to that body,
and to assert our rights as tree born, law
abiding and peaceable citizens, and to ask
tor the repeal of such laws ~ are discrim-
-. -, l,tt.,t In,
united body with undivided councils the
druggists of West Virginia would be a
power in the State, and IT IL To be hoped
that our bitter experience, caused by our
unOrganizcd condition, will be productive
of much good. Had our organization been
kept up, with an able committee on legis-
lation, it might have easily brought before
the Legislature matters OF interest To the
trade and prevented the passage of laws
uniu and oppressive. However, 1t is not
too late to hope that We may yet
meet with Justice ut the hands Of our rep
resentatives. hut in order that this happy
consummatiOn may he reached there must
he organization and unity of purpose. 4
house divided against itself cannot stand.
There are other evils which seriously affect
the drug trade in our State, and that Is the
persistent cutting of prices and m effort on
the mart of some to establish = sort OF
Cheap John reputation, to draw to them
selves large trade. This result, in our
opinion, can only prove injurious to the
trade in general, and to the cutter III par
ticular, rs he not only robs himself and
family of the support which justly belongs
to them, but he provoke the just opposition
of his brother druggists, and they
in turn for selt-prOtection, will cut their
prices to meet his. ! do not advocate eX-
tortionate prices, and think no cOnscien-
tious man will charge them, but | do adj
vocate buying the best grade and charging
for them what they are legltimately worth.
Ifthis course il strictly adhered to, while
we may suffer pecuuiary loss for time,
we will. in the end, be sustained by the
intelligent public.
There are other matters OF mp)rtance to
which would like TO call yOur attention,
but rs time is valuable, will not tax your
| patience further.
Allow me in conclusion to thank you for
! YOUR kindness and courtesy, and for the
hearty support you have given me in the
discharge OF my official duties, and for the
fidelity with which you have labored for